Use nutrition to boost transition cow immunity

The transition period and immunosuppression often go hand-in-hand. Cows are in the midst of a physiological transformation and their weakened immune system leaves them vulnerable to a variety of metabolic and infectious health disorders—like ketosis or metritis—that can reduce reproductive performance in the ensuing lactation.

Nutrition has always played a critical role during the transition period, but new research that addressed nutrition’s impact on cow immunity is helping to clarify immunity’s role in keeping these animals healthy.